If you own an oven, you will be familiar with the query, “Why does my oven smell like gas?”. All of us have faced this issue at one point or another in our lives. While the smell might be nothing serious, at times, it can indicate a severe problem. In either case, you must not ignore it and fix it promptly.
Types of Smell
Each smell indicates a specific problem. So, before elaborating on the solutions to why does my electric oven smell like gas, we need to understand the odor.
Chemical-Like Odour
It is common to come across this smell if your oven is new. The reason for the odour is that the insulation is getting heated for the first time. We recommend ‘burning in’ your oven before using it for baking or cooking anything. What do we mean by burning in your oven? It is simple. Open a few windows, especially those in the kitchen. Turn on the ventilation fan. Secondly, turn on the oven and set it to high heat (400 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 to 288 degrees Celsius). Let the oven run at this temperature for a while. For the best results, we recommend letting it run for about an hour but not more. If the smell persists, repeat the procedure a couple of times.
Gas Smell
Why does my oven smell like gas? It is natural for it to do so because it indicates the combustion of gas. It will go away in two minutes maximum. If it does not, and you smell unburned gas, turn it off right away. Open all the windows in your house. If you have a stove turned on, switch it off. Go outside and call your gas supplier.
Burnt Smell
People can easily confuse the smell of burning food with gas. Therefore, before calling the gas supplier, make sure that there is no spilled or rotten food in the oven. Even grease can lead to a burning smell. Hence, clean your oven after each use and ensure no food or grease is leftover.
Call a Professional
Now, you know the different types of smell and what to do in each case. If still, your oven smells like gas when you turn it on, we recommend calling a professional. Before doing so, we recommend that you thoroughly clean the oven. Why? Extensive cleaning might be the answer to why does my oven smell like gas. Let us see what you can do to keep the oven clean.
How to Clean the Oven?
Depending on the make and model, your oven might have a self-cleaning mode. Before turning it on, ensure that the oven is empty. In other words, remove all accessories and clear out the remaining bits of food or any other leftovers. Now, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to turn on the cleaning mode. You can search on Google or YouTube in case you don’t have the instruction manual. Open the windows or turn on the exhaust fan to allow smoke and smell to escape. That’s it.
What If My Oven Does Not Have A Self-Cleaning Feature?
There’s nothing to worry about, as we will guide you through the process. First, remove all the accessories and food bits. Make sure that the oven is empty. Take half a cup of baking soda and mix it with an equal amount of water. Stir the mixture till it becomes spreadable. Next, spread the mixture all over the oven. It is better to wear gloves while doing so to avoid getting grease and other unwanted materials under your fingernails.
Leave the paste for about 12 hours. Then use a damp cloth to clean the oven. Afterward, spray white vinegar and again clean it up. You can use the same mixture to clean the glass. For the buttons and knobs, take 50% water and 50% vinegar. Spray the mixture onto a cloth and then use it to clean the buttons and knobs. Do not spray directly onto the knobs or buttons as it can short-circuit the oven.
FAQs
Q1. Is it normal for a new oven to smell like gas initially?
A faint gas smell can be normal for a new oven during its initial use due to the burning off of manufacturing residues. However, if the smell persists or is strong, it could indicate a problem that requires attention.
Q2. What should I do if I detect a strong gas smell from my oven?
If you smell a strong gas odor, immediately turn off the oven, avoid using any open flames or electrical switches, and ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. Contact your gas utility company or a professional technician to inspect for gas leaks.
Q3. Can a gas leak in my oven be dangerous?
Yes, a gas leak in your oven can be extremely dangerous. Gas leaks can lead to fires, explosions, and health hazards due to the risk of inhaling gas fumes. It’s crucial to address any gas-related issues asap.
Q4. How can I prevent my oven from smelling like gas?
To prevent gas-like odors, ensure your oven is clean and free from food debris. If you suspect a gas leak, regularly check gas connections and hoses for signs of wear or damage. If the issue persists, consult a professional technician.
Q5. What should I do if the gas smell only occurs during baking?
If the gas smell is specific to baking, it might be related to the combustion process or residue buildup on the heating elements. Consider scheduling a professional inspection to identify the underlying cause and ensure safe oven operation.
